D’oh God! A Simpsons Lens on Lent

D’oh God! A Simpsons Lens on Lent

Earlier in February, I overheard something that stopped me cold: “The Simpsons just aired its 500th episode on FOX.” Though I stopped watching the show regularly a while ago, the vaunted animated series is not only a cultural mainstay, but was a staple of my...
Life of a Spiritual Athlete: Learning to Sing

Life of a Spiritual Athlete: Learning to Sing

Late last fall, I gave my first public singing performance.  I had picked up voice lessons for the first time in my life just previously, and was totally shocked by how much I enjoyed it. I appreciated the music I was learning.  I liked my teacher, and, while I am not...
How do you teach a twelve-year old to pray?

How do you teach a twelve-year old to pray?

Have you ever wanted to teach middle school?  I thought not.  It’s no easy task to get sixth graders to sit still, must less get knowledge in their heads.  You can imagine my astonishment when I saw a room full of twelve-year olds, silent and still.  My Chicago Jesuit...
‘Tis A Gift To Be Simple…

‘Tis A Gift To Be Simple…

I still remember memorizing the Our Father as a child in Sunday school. Whenever I’m on a bumpy plane ride, that familiar prayer of my youth comes to me sooner than any comforting words I could assemble on my own.  When it comes down to it, I remember best what...
Who Writes Your Operating System?

Who Writes Your Operating System?

Since I’m sure we’re violating a fundamental law of the internet by existing for two full weeks without linking to a video of an infant doing something cute on YouTube, I’m going to remedy that now. This baby, in addition to being cute, can’t...